R.I. Gen. Laws ch. 42-11.2 § 42-11.2-9
Fair market rent
Operative Text
The executive department shall determine a fair market rent for each unit assisted under this chapter in an amount that is no greater than the maximum fair market rent for the particular size unit as established by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for the Section 8 existing housing program under U.S.C. § 1437f at the time that the unit first receives assistance under this chapter. The executive department shall further establish a schedule of rent increases that fairly provide for demonstrated reasonable increases in operating expenses associated with the units assisted under this chapter; provided, however, that the fair market rent for any unit may not, at any time, exceed the then-current maximum fair market rent for the particular size unit as established by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
Under R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-11.2-9, Rhode Island's executive department is required to set a fair market rent for each housing unit receiving assistance under Chapter 42-11.2, and that rent cannot exceed the HUD-established maximum fair market rent for the Section 8 existing housing program at the time assistance begins. The executive department must also create a schedule that allows for rent increases tied to demonstrated, reasonable rises in operating costs. Critically, the fair market rent for any assisted unit can never surpass the HUD maximum fair market rent in effect at any given time, even as that ceiling may change over time.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners whose units receive assistance under R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-11.2-9 should be aware that the rents they may charge are capped by HUD's maximum fair market rent figures for the applicable unit size, as determined at the time assistance first begins. Compliant operators generally track the rent schedule established by the executive department, which is designed to account for documented increases in operating expenses, and ensure that any rent adjustments remain within the HUD-set ceiling then in effect. Staying current with both HUD fair market rent updates and the state's published rent-increase schedule is a standard practice for operators participating in this program.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Tenants living in units assisted under R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-11.2-9 have a right to rents that do not exceed the HUD maximum fair market rent for their unit size, both at the start of assistance and on an ongoing basis. Any rent increases must follow the schedule established by the executive department and be grounded in demonstrated, reasonable operating-cost increases — not arbitrary adjustments. Tenants who believe their rent exceeds the limits set by this provision may consider contacting the Rhode Island executive department, reaching out to a local tenant-rights organization, or consulting with a housing attorney to understand available options.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 15, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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